Executive Director’s Message – December 2025
Happy Holidays from all of us at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute! As the year comes to a close, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with good health and the moments that bring you happiness.
Letter to the Editor
Christina,
I am a member of a breakfast club known as the Crispy Warriors. We meet every Thursday morning at Crackings Restaurant in Destin, Fla. The Crispy Warriors was founded in 1995 by four World War II veterans.
Pediatric Cancer
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Crucial Catch Kids
Several children were honored at the 2025 Crucial Catch game with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Three Questions with Carey Lawing, CCLS – Child Life Specialist
As Child Life Specialist Carey Lawing Supports Children Through Their Cancer Treatment.
Breast and Prostate Cancer
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Inventasch
Joy and Harvey Inventasch’s alumni story is one of love, resilience and exceptional care at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Pediatric Cancer
Proton Alumni Spotlight: Louis Ackers
Discover how pediatric brain tumor survivor celebrated 10 years cancer free after receiving proton therapy for craniopharyngioma at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Latest Research Publications from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
Each research study published is one step forward to better understanding cancer and the effectiveness of cancer treatment options.
Blog Spot: Caring for Cancer Patients During the Holidays
Holiday Celebrations and Cancer Caregivers is this Month’s Blog Feature.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Santa Joe Presents the Institute with a $55,000 Donation
- Dr. Julie Bradley Featured Speaker at Jaguar’s Crucial Catch Night
- The Institute Attends and Shares Research at ASTRO
Community Calendar
Mark your calendar and join us when we are in a town near you or online.
For patient events at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, go to For Patients & Families for details.
Cancer Resource Navigation Event – UF Health Jacksonville
Location: UF Health Jacksonville Clinical Center, Main Lobby, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Stop by to find out more about what UF Health Proton Therapy Institute has to offer as we join the UF Health Jacksonville cancer team at the next Cancer Resource Navigation Event. The oncology departments will be available to answer your questions, as well as representatives from programs providing social and emotional support. Additional community organizations including the local American Cancer Society office will be there with information for cancer survivors and caregivers.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing
Location: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
Save the date! On January 22, 2026, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will host Living Beyond Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing. This survivorship event will feature speakers, resources and community support for patients and survivors. Join us for an inspiring day designed to uplift survivors and empower those still on their journey. Hope, healing and community are the heart of survivorship, and we are honored to bring these together.
For More Info: Contact Tamara at (904) 588-1293 or tsorrye@floridaproton.org.
Western North Carolina Prostate Support Group - Presentation
Location: Online via Zoom or in-person at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC
Join speaker, Christina Mershell, from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, as she meets virtually with the Western NC Prostate Support Group to discuss the role of proton therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. This meeting will be an opportunity to ask of your questions, find out what this targeted treatment is all about, and hear some of the latest proton therapy research. If you are in the Asheville area, we hope you can join the group in-person. Support group website: https://wncprostatesupport.org/.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
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About This Newsletter
The Precision Newsletter is an electronic-only publication that is distributed by email. Each issue is sent periodically to patients, alumni patients and friends of the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute. As the official newsletter of the Institute, the content is compiled and prepared by our communications
representative and approved by the editor. Special bulletin newsletters may occasionally be prepared when timely topics and new developments in proton therapy occur. If you would like to send a Letter to the Editor, please click here.